STATE OF FLORIDA GRANT Conserving Ca' d'Zan

The State of Florida has recognized the importance of preserving Ca’ d’Zan for future generations, awarding The Ringling a $500,000 grant through the Division of Historical Resources. This support has enabled the museum to undertake a major project involving the restoration of historic glazed terra cotta decoration of Ca’ d’Zan.

This exterior terra cotta ornamentation is perhaps Ca’ d’Zan’s most distinctive feature. However, due to its extensive exposure to salt water from the bay, the terra cotta has suffered structural failure caused by corrosion of its iron anchoring hardware. In addition to concerns regarding damage to the building, there was also the threat of injury due to falling pieces.

Work on the project began with the aim of preserving as much of the original terra cotta decoration as possible. However, where the damage is too extensive, replacement pieces are being created that are historically accurate in both material and appearance. Barbara Ramsay, Chief Conservator at the Ringling and Ron McCarty, Keeper of Ca’ d’Zan, have worked closely with Conservation Solutions Inc. and Boston Valley Terra Cotta to develop a palette of colored glazes that will be hand painted onto the cast terra cotta pieces.

This project, which will be ongoing through the fall of 2018 would not have been possible without the support of the State of Florida. “The Ringling now welcomes over 400,000 guests annually, many of whom visit specifically to see Ca’ d’Zan,” remarked Steven High, Executive Director, The Ringling. “We are incredibly grateful to the State for this grant, which will allow The Ringling legacy to continue.”